For Bishop James Conley, devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is not simply a tradition or pious image hanging on a wall.
It is the story of his life.
Long before he became bishop of the Diocese of Lincoln, before he chose his episcopal motto, and before the Sacred Heart was emblazoned across his bishop’s shield, a young convert encountered the burning love of Christ in a way that would forever transform him.
“I’ve always had a very strong devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus,” Bishop Conley said in a recent testimony promoting the upcoming film Sacred Heart: His Reign Has No End.
The devotion began shortly after his conversion to the Catholic faith, when he made a pilgrimage to Paray-le-Monial, France — the very place where Jesus appeared to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in the 17th century.
During those mystical apparitions, Christ revealed His Sacred Heart aflame with love for humanity and called the world to return His love through prayer, devotion, and trust in His mercy.
“It really kind of spread the Sacred Heart devotion worldwide,” he reflected.
For Bishop Conley, the pilgrimage was life-changing.
That devotion would quietly shape nearly every aspect of his vocation.
In what many Catholics would call providential, Bishop Conley was consecrated a bishop on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart on May 30, 2008 — a moment he now sees as deeply tied to Christ’s guidance throughout his priesthood.
He later chose an image of the Sacred Heart for his episcopal shield and adopted the motto “Heart Speaks to Heart,” inspired by St. John Henry Newman.
The phrase reflects the deeply personal spirituality of the Sacred Heart devotion: Christ speaking directly to the human soul with divine love.
Now, years later, Bishop Conley is inviting Catholics across America to rediscover that same love.
The bishop is helping promote Sacred Heart: His Reign Has No End, a new theatrical film arriving in June that explores the history and spiritual power of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The release comes during a historic moment for the Church in the United States.
In honor of the 250th anniversary of America, Catholic bishops are preparing a national consecration of the country to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Bishop Conley also announced that he will consecrate the Diocese of Lincoln to the Sacred Heart on June 12, the feast day itself.
“I ask all of you to consider seeing this film and consecrating yourselves to the Sacred Heart,” he said.
His final words echoed the central message of the devotion that changed his life:
“For His Sacred Heart — His reign has no end.”
Where to Watch the Sacred Heart Movie
Mark your calendars for these special showings:
- Tuesday, June 9 – English dubbed
- Wednesday, June 10 – Spanish dubbed with English subtitles
- Thursday, June 11 – English dubbed
- Sunday, June 14 – English dubbed
It’s the perfect movie to see with your family, youth group, parish, or friends to grow in your love and devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus (or even to learn more about it!)
Tickets are on sale now through Fathom Entertainment. You can find more info and theater locations at SacredHeartFilm.us.
Sacred Heart: His Reign Has No End is a beautiful reminder of Jesus’ burning love for us. His love is steady, personal, and stronger than any challenge we face.
Whether you’re already devoted to the Sacred Heart or just curious about this powerful Catholic tradition, this film is an invitation to encounter the One whose “reign has no end.”
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